Balzar Architects Transform a Historic Valencia Apartment into a Serene Wabi-Sabi Sanctuary

A 19th-century modernist home near Mercado de Colón is thoughtfully restored into a serene, design-forward living space.

In the heart of Valencia, just steps away from the iconic Mercado de Colón, Balzar Architects has completed the interiors of the GE Apartment, a refined 300-square-metre residence that beautifully bridges history and modern living.

Set within a late 19th-century modernist building, the apartment retains its original charm, from decorative moldings and stained glass to intricate ironwork and ceramic flooring. Rather than replacing these historic details, the architects chose to respect and highlight them. The result is a calm, layered interior that feels both timeless and contemporary.

The design draws inspiration from wabi-sabi, a Japanese philosophy that finds beauty in imperfection and natural aging. Soft textures and natural materials, including travertine, wood, lime, linen, and wool, create warmth without troubling the space. Instead of bold colors, the apartment relies on texture and filtered natural light to shape its mood.

Carefully curated furniture further enriches the home. Vintage pieces from Nekonato Gallery, including designs by Percival Lafer, Sergio Rodrigues, and Alvar Aalto, sit alongside contemporary works by Vincent Van Duysen and lighting brand Viabizzuno.

Balzar Architects describe the project as “a dialogue with the past rather than an attempt to erase it.” In GE Apartment, history and modern design coexist gracefully, offering a quiet yet powerful tribute to Valencia’s architectural heritage.